Brandon pastor still has hopes for 110-foot cross

Planning Commission says no to cross on I-20

Despite opposition from the city, a Brandon pastor is continuing his quest to erect a 110-foot cross.

First Baptist Church of Brandon wants to erect the cross, which would be 11 stories tall, at a site on Interstate 20. But the city's Planning Commission voted against its construction.

The mayor objects to the cross because he said it's considered an auxiliary structure, which is limited by state law to a height of 20 feet.

Crosses Across America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, maintaining and constructing roadside crosses across the U.S., is donating $100,000 to build the cross if the city agrees to it, said First Baptist Church pastor Dr. Scott Thomas.

"The people in this community strongly support a cross in Brandon," Thomas said.

The city has agreed to allow a 50-foot cross, but Thomas is still hoping for a bigger one.

"It's 110 feet and it's also 64 feet wide. (It will) have an impact, and we want to have a clear impact that we love the lord Jesus," Thomas said.

The Brandon Board of Aldermen could still give the OK for the 110-foot cross, something Thomas is praying for.

"I'm not sure what the plan B is," Thomas said.

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